For a unique cinematic experience this weekend, Jatadhara deserves a spot on your watchlist. Directed by Venkat Kalyan and Abhishek Jaiswal, the film offers a rare blend of mythology, science, and emotion-delivering something truly fresh for Telugu cinema.
Starring Sudheer Babu, Sonakshi Sinha, and Divya Khosla Kumar, Jatadhara is not your typical mythological thriller. The story unfolds in the ancient corridors of Kerala’s Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Temple, where the ritual of Pishacha Bandhanam binds spirits to protect hidden treasures. The directors merge these traditional beliefs with modern logic and scientific reasoning, creating a fascinating balance between faith and fact.
Sudheer Babu shines as Shiva, a rational thinker whose journey from skepticism to spiritual awakening anchors the film. His performance carries both physical intensity and emotional depth.
Sonakshi Sinha, making her Telugu debut as Dhana Pishachi, leaves a strong impression with a character layered in greed, pain, and mysticism. Divya Khosla Kumar’s portrayal of Sitara adds tenderness to the story, while Shilpa Shirodkar and Indira Krishna deliver emotionally charged performances. Supporting roles by Rajeev Kanakala, Ravi Prakash, and Subhalekha Sudhakar strengthen the ensemble.
Sai Krishna Karne and Shyam Babu Meriga’s dialogues are simple yet profound. They strike a fine balance between science and faith, often prompting viewers to question what they believe. The screenplay maintains tension while allowing moments of introspection and wonder.
Samir Kalyani’s cinematography is among Jatadhara’s greatest strengths. The interplay of shadow, smoke, and sacred light inside temple corridors creates a visually mesmerizing experience. Each ritual scene feels meticulously crafted-immersing the audience in the mystery of the moment.
The visual effects are used judiciously, making supernatural moments believable without overpowering the narrative. Sonakshi’s transformation scenes are particularly striking.
Music and Sound Design
Rajeev Raj’s music perfectly complements the film’s tone. The haunting background score, temple bells, chants, and silences work in harmony to heighten suspense and emotion. The sound design transforms climactic scenes into almost spiritual experiences.
Verdict: A Mystical Journey Worth Experiencing
Jatadhara isn’t just a film-it’s a visual and emotional journey. By blending mythology with modern science, Venkat Kalyan and Abhishek Jaiswal have created a world that’s both thought-provoking and cinematic.
If you’re searching for something beyond routine storytelling-a film that makes you think, feel, and believe-Jatadhara is the perfect weekend watch.